Who am I:
I run an existing, nine year old public relations firm with a unique business niche. Rather than attempt to secure headlines for our customers, I actively try to keep my clients OUT of the news.
I am a specialist in what is called “High Risk Communications.” I build trust, establish credibility, calm fears and allay misunderstandings. And if I do say so myself, I am alarmingly good at it. I have a list of happy customers across three continents.
What I am NOT good at is selling my services. I have next to no competition, but my biggest competitor is complacency. Many organizations feel “This won’t happen to me.”
What are we selling?
I have developed a unique, one-day risk communication-training course, specifically for those who may come into the public eye in tough times. This course is ideal for frontline executives at hospitals, public utilities, food processing facilities, schools or municipalities.
The one-day program sells for around $4,000, plus travel costs.
What else is happening?
I have public speaking commitments lined up at over a dozen industry events during 2011. These events end up being great for marketing training. I will be passing along these hot leads to you for follow up cooking while the oven is still hot.
What are the challenges here?
I’m not looking for a routine “telemarketing mill.” There are no scripts. The organizations you approach may have never heard of what I do.
I’m seeking a true selling partner. Someone who recognizes that valued business relationships are worth far more than a quick sell. Someone who is willing to work together with me on marketing, and selling, a truly unique, vital service.
I'd prefer to give you access to my CRM software so we can stay connected. I'll also give you a branded email address.
What can I give you?
I have a list of over 1,600 water utilities across North America, complete with contact info. Over 900 of those records also have names of the “C” level executives. This is where I’d like to start.
I have an audiobook on CD Rom, called “Communicate through the Minefield: Seven cardinal rules to remember when $#it hits the fan.” I’m happy to send that out on request to anyone.
I am also more than willing to work with you at developing marketing support material (ie – an online version of a brochure.)
Why water utilities?
There are several reasons I want to go after water utilities, at least to start:
a) There are lots of them. Over 1,600 in the USA alone.
b) They are all big enough to be able to afford me, but small enough that they can’t hire multi-national large PR agency type contracts.
c) They are relatively ‘recession resistant.’
d) Any time a water utility makes the news it is bad news. It’s a boil water advisory, a broken watermain, flooded basements or construction causing traffic chaos. This training is like aspirin to someone suffering a headache.
e) I was there, first-hand, in the largest water crisis in North American history. Over 2,000 people became ill and seven people died after drinking contaminated tap water. I've seen the challenges.
How will compensation work?
I would like to determine a business arrangement that pays you – handsomely – for each completed sale (and only upon a sale). In a perfect world, you line up the sales and send me off – I deliver a great training experience and pay you. I may use multiple teams in order to develop best practices. You're not afraid of competition, right?
I recognize this can be a ‘long-tail’ sales process, and I’m willing to pay handsomely because of it.
There are several things I need:
A) Excellent (and I mean, stellar) English language skills.
B) A positive attitude. Let's rock this! Rejection is for the week!
C) A desire to produce short term cash flow and get paid, but an understanding that strong valued relationships are more valuable than quick “one and done” sales opportunities.
I'm seeking a long term partnership. Let's rock this!